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Antioxidant

Beta-Carotene

Provitamin A and a powerful fat-soluble antioxidant-carotenoid. Provides the skin with a natural golden-yellow hue, protects against photoaging and free radicals. In cosmetics - an active and natural dye at the same time.

provitamin Acarotenoidantioxidantnatural pigment
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Beta-Carotene (INCI: Beta-Carotene) — lipophilic tetraterpene with 11 conjugated double bonds → bright orange color. Molecular weight ~537 Da. Insoluble in water. Obtained: synthetically or from natural sources (Blakeslea trispora, Dunaliella salina algae, carrot). Mechanisms of action: 1) Antioxidant — quenches singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and peroxyl radicals; 2) Provitamin A — converts to retinal → retinol → retinoic acid; 3) Photoprotection (accumulates in the skin when taken internally); 4) Natural colorant — golden-yellow hue of cosmetics.

Antioxidant serums and creams, tanning products and after-sun care, natural foundations (as pigment), products with provitamin A for sensitive skin.

Key Benefits

✦
Powerful antioxidant — quenching singlet oxygen
Beta-carotene — one of the most effective "quenchers" of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) — a form of ROS generated by UVA exposure and photosensitization. Mechanism: energy transfer from ¹O₂ to β-carotene → β-carotene transitions to a triplet state → safely dissipates energy as heat. Effectiveness: molar quenching constant of ¹O₂ by β-carotene ~10¹⁰ M⁻¹s⁻¹ — 1000× better than vitamin E.
◈
Provitamin A — a gentle alternative to retinol
Beta-carotene converts to retinol in the skin via retinaldehyde. However, the conversion of topical β-carotene is limited. Effect: milder than retinol (without irritation), but provides a certain level of retinoic activity. Suitable for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate retinol. Synergy with retinol: together they maintain optimal levels of vitamin A activity in the skin.
✧
Natural pigment and tanning effect
Beta-carotene accumulates in subcutaneous fat and skin, giving it a golden-yellow hue. This effect is known as "carotenoderma" when taken internally. In cosmetics: in self-tanning products or after-sun care products — enhances the natural golden glow. Also: an effective natural yellow/orange pigment for cosmetics.

Suitable for

sensitive skinskin with signs of photoagingthose avoiding retinol

Main Actions

✓ quenching singlet oxygen and antioxidant protection✓ provitamin A for gentle retinoic activity✓ natural golden pigment
Beta-Carotene: natural vs synthetic

Synthetic β-carotene: identical to natural, more stable, cheaper, but without synergistic carotenoids. Natural from Dunaliella salina: a mixture of α- and β-carotene + other carotenoids → potentially broader antioxidant effect. From Blakeslea trispora: enzymatic, very pure β-carotene. For 'natural' labeling: only plant-based or enzymatic. Instability: oxidizes in air and upon heating (decolorization) → store in closed packaging without access to oxygen.

CategoryAntioxidants

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beta-Carotene do for skin?
Antioxidant serums and creams, tanning products and after-sun care, natural foundations (as pigment), products with provitamin A for sensitive skin.
Who should use Beta-Carotene?
Beta-Carotene is suitable for: sensitive skin, skin with signs of photoaging, those avoiding retinol.
Are there any warnings about Beta-Carotene?
Synthetic β-carotene: identical to natural, more stable, cheaper, but without synergistic carotenoids. Natural from Dunaliella salina: a mixture of α- and β-carotene + other carotenoids → potentially broader antioxidant effect. From Blakeslea trispora: enzymatic, very pure β-caro

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